My first Street Machine Nationals made an impact on me that was to last a lifetime. I remember it all too clearly. It seemed unreal. With more than 5000 cars covering the rolling green hillsides of the Indiana State Fairgrounds, lining the narrow roadways and filling virtually every open area of fairground that could support the weight of a vehicle, it was the biggest car event of its time. That summer of 1980 was a long time ago, but it validated an industry and a devout audience of car and truck customizers.

From that first experience as a staff member of Hot Rod magazine, I was to attend many more Nationals, usually camera in hand, seeking out cutting edge, well-designed cars suitable for magazine features. Through those years plenty of gems were “discovered,” the creations of some now legendary builders. Scott Sullivan was one of the fi rst great builders to use the Street Machine Nationals stage with his smooth orange ’55 Chevy. Sullivan set a precedent for not only cool paint tricks and super high-quality engineering, but for building a car that performed like a true factory-issue muscle car — only better. Shortly thereafter, 18-year-old Troy Trepanier debuted his cool plum-colored ’66 Chevelle followed by new, more unusual vehicles in subsequent years. In terms of innovation, Rick Dobbertin built an amazing work of art in his turbocharged and supercharged Pontiac J2000.

Events such as this proved to be as important to our industry as any magazine at the time — or today. But the magazine-event relationship is a critical one to moving the needle with regard to the spirit of creative customization. More so than ever, manufacturers learn from the cutting edge talents of the home builder, and the pro builders need to earn the respect of their peers. Like Sullivan, Trepanier and Dobbertin the concept, the dream of what is possible to mold from steel, glass and chrome continues to impress. This process is further supported by an Internet and forum builder network that makes it easier to find the parts, share ideas and pull resources together.

The first Power & Performance News is designed to carry that spirit of innovation to the general street machine audience offering some topical products and some cool cars for personal review. There are plenty of amazing products at our fingertips — most with roots in some street machine builder’s garage. Be it smart electronic ignition components that improve performance, a camshaft profile series with performance and sound benefits or a muffler package that alters the vehicle’s personality, these advancements were stimulated by some home builder or enthusiast request. The fact is this industry is filled with people who not only enjoy their work, but participate in such events as the Street Machine Nationals whenever the opportunity arises — and they don’t get paid to go; they attend simply because they love the industry.

For me this first issue of P&PN is an all too clear reminder of just how much fun that first Street Machine Nationals was and continues to be. And just when I think I’ve seen it all, that there can’t be anything new, no new custom flair or new product that will surprise me, I find that new thing, that new touch or cool product that knocks me over. Yep, car builders never cease to amaze me. And that’s a good thing.